A semi-regular, maybe regular, column of musical musings.
Song of the Year?
Dua Lipa Houdini – While I anxiously await her new album to drop sometime this year, I still cannot get enough of this song she graced us with back in November.
Album of the Year?
Rose Frater-Taylor Featherweight – I am obsessed with this 20-something musical genius, a UK singer-songwriter and jazz guitarist. She’s one part Joni Mitchell plus equal parts jazz guitarists Pat Metheny and George Benson (jazz George, not pop George). Based on two songs released late in 2023, I had already proclaimed this to be my favorite album of 2024. I await all challengers, including Dua’s album, whenever that arrives.
Cool Cover
Paramore Burning Down the House (from Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense) – I know there will eventually be fifteen other artists doing cover versions of songs that mirror the original tracklist of Talking Heads’ 1984 concert film. But I can’t think of any artist better suited than Paramore for this unreleased project.
That’s What Friends Are For
Escort Escort A dear friend and fellow music-obsessive discovered this while obsessing down a music rabbit hole unrelated to this 2011 nu-disco album with hints of funk and electronica. He knew I would become obsessed, and he was quite right. He thought I’d like the songs Why Oh Why and Starlight, and I do, but Makeover and A Bright New Life are my on-repeat tracks.
Eurovision Song Contest
With May not far away, it’s that time of the season when countries are deciding on their entries. I like UK pop star Olly Alexander’s Dizzy, produced by Dua Lipa’s producer on Houdini, although I worry that it is too mainstream for Eurovision voters.
I’m also a fan of Austria’s dance-banger entry, Kaleen’s We Will Rave. Less than ONE SECOND into the music, My Daughter Cassandra (MDC) said, “I know you’ll like this.”
#JazzurdayNight
Every Saturday night is jazz night. This week’s theme was pianist Wynton Kelly and his albums Wynton Kelly! (1961), Someday My Prince Will Come (1961), and Kelly Blue (1959). I am totally enamored with his signature one-note runs, light and gentle melodic touch, and his swinging/bluesy feel, about which Miles Davis reputedly said, “I wish I could swing like that.”
Blast from the Past
57 years ago today. It begins with Respect. It ends with A Change is Gonna Come. Dr. Feelgood is in the middle. #QueenOfSoul #Seriously
Ray's Musings 